If you can confidently run a six-minute mile, but you want to run a five-minute mile, how do you do that?" That is the mantra of Dave DeFilippo, chief people and learning officer at Suffolk Construction, who is in the Spotlight of this issue. DeFilippo is known for his drive to make work better in his industry and for his employees. One way he does this is through a guiding practice called building smart.

Building smart is an ambitious, innovative approach to building," he says. "It's about always challenging the status quo and believing there's a better way. It's about pushing the boundaries of what is possible," DeFilippo explains.

How are you pushing the boundaries? Are you focused on moving from the mediocre to the innovative in your work? Championing diversity and inclusion (D&I) is one guiding approach that is improving performance—not to mention employee engagement—in many organizations today. This issue's Hot Topic and State of TD column both speak to this trending talent philosophy. The implementation of D&I initiatives—and thus, hiring of D&I roles—is on the rise as organizations are better understanding the capability of D&I cultures to positively transform a business. "Allowing employees to present their true selves, both personally and professionally, elevates individual productivity, focus, and engagement—and it's good for business," says Sumreen Ahmad in her article, "Bring My Whole Self to Work?"

Regardless of how effectively you hire and develop for innovation and high performance, turnover is inevitable and attrition a constant for executives like you. Angst Index broaches the subject of knowledge transfer in such challenging times. And Career Hacks provides helpful negotiation tips to take you far in both life and the C-suite.

Thank you for your interest in CTDO magazine, which is full of essential insight for leaders like you who are on a journey to make work better. As always, I'd love to hear your feedback about this issue. What article was your favorite? Which column is most beneficial in helping to inform your role as a talent development executive? Please contact me at any time with your thoughts.

Ann Parker

Senior Content Manager

Senior Leaders & Executives

[email protected]

Read more from CTDO magazine: Essential talent development content for C-suite leaders.